A Christmas Quiz Thread

[Betsy]

Yep! It originated in Medieval Britain as a posset.

 

[Merab]

What do December 25th, January 1st and March 25th have in common ?

 

[Qualcast&Flymo]

They've all been regarded as the start of the new year, at different times in European history?

 

[Merab]

You are correct. Your turn to ask a question.

Shall we end this quiz at Epiphany ?
There’s another quiz thread to pick up for the rest of the year.

 

[Qualcast&Flymo]

Ok, try this ...

In much of Europe (east of France) St Nicholas is accompanied by what/who? What do they do when they get to each child's room?

 

[Mrs Tiggy Winkle]

He may be accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht or by Krampus

No idea on the second question.

 

[Qualcast&Flymo]

He may be accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht or by Krampus

No idea on the second question.

Yes he is accompanied by an imp/devil character, called Krampus in Austria and countries/regions nearby, other names elsewhere.
I'm told that they debate whether the child has been good or bad, if good the child gets sweets etc, if bad they are left a birch rod ( to be beaten with ). Except of course the child is always found to have been good enough...

Your turn @Mrs Tiggy Winkle !

 

[Mrs Tiggy Winkle]

In a certain way, Christmastide ends on Epiphany.

What holiday season starts on Epiphany in various parts of South Germany, (possibly also bits of Switzerland and Austria)? Note: among certain families in South-West Germany, it's actually far more important than Christmas, culturally-speaking.

 

[Posyrose]

Ooh, intriguing question. I'll be interested in learning the answer.

 

[Merab]

Is it Heilige Drei Könige / Three Kings Day ?

 

[Mrs Tiggy Winkle]

Is it Heilige Drei Könige / Three Kings Day ?

No, that is Epiphany.

In the evening of Jan 6th, they move into a different festival which takes place over a number of weeks - that's what I'm looking for.

 

[Qualcast&Flymo]

No, that is Epiphany.

In the evening of Jan 6th, they move into a different festival which takes place over a number of weeks - that's what I'm looking for.

Is it religious in origin, or is it cultural like New Year or May Day?

 

[Mrs Tiggy Winkle]

Religious in origin.

 

[Merab]

Epiphanytide ?

 

[Mrs Tiggy Winkle]

Epiphanytide ?

I'm not aware that that exists, so: No

 

[Merab]

I'm not aware that that exists, so: No

It’s a Lutheran season in the Church calendar

 

[Merab]

I'm not aware that that exists, so: No

 

[Qualcast&Flymo]

It’s a Lutheran season in the Church calendar

something to do with the Bible then?

 

[Mrs Tiggy Winkle]

It was a very difficult question and a little unfair since being even more important than Christmas for some families means it's not part of Christmas...

The answer: schwäbisch-alemannische Fastnacht! It starts 6th January (in the evening in my town) and culminates in the days running up to Pancake Tuesday and on P.T. itself, a pre-Lent celebration like Mardi Gras.

It's a Catholic festival in origin. There are still people from at least one generation in my town and towns round about who were told by their parents they weren't allowed to join in the celebrations because 'Protestants don't do that'.

@Qualcast&Flymo @Merab One of you gets to ask the next question, for trying so hard on this difficult question

 

[Merab]

Every day is a learning day

@Qualcast&Flymo do you want to ask the next question?